EO Nashville Member News - May 18

May 18, 2018

Three Things for EO Nashville This Week

1. 30th Anniversary CelebrationJune 5, 4-8pm at the Country Music Hall of FameWhat better way to celebrate the 30th EO Anniversary than with founder Verne Harnish! Thirty years ago, a handful of young entrepreneurs came together with the idea to learn and grow through shared experiences, laying the foundation for what would become the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Three decades later, we are proud to celebrate EO’s 30th anniversary, a significant milestone in our history and a testament to our impact as a global thought leader. Our Nashville celebration includes hearing from EO's founder, a brief State of the Chapter to look to our own future and a cocktail reception in the amazing Country Music Hall of Fame to end the evening. Come reflect on our collective progress, embrace our extraordinary culture and look ahead at more EO Nashville success andsignificance. Spouses/significant others are also welcome. Register herefor this epic event that you won't want to miss!

2. Learning from Legends Series with Jim Ed NormanJuly 26, 4:00pm-6:00pm at Quonset Hut34 Music Square EastHere are two things you don't often hear in the same sentence: "really creative" and "great manager." Unless you are talking about Jim Ed Norman....a man who has led two huge record labels and written arrangements for and/or produced some of the most iconic albums ever recorded. This is a man who gets stuff done and is also one of the best storytellers you will ever hear. Don't miss this rare chance to meet and hear from a true legend of Nashville's music industry!

3. EO membership benefitsEO Insigniais a premier quarterly, regional, forum program exclusively designed for members who have been with EO for at least seven years. EO Insignia fosters a collaborative environment for veteran members pursuing professional and personal achievements. If you are ready to challenge yourself, this is the forum to launch that bigger conversation.CLICK HERE for more information on Insignia.

EO Quantum Leapis a premier quarterly, regional, forum program exclusively designed for members who have, or have had, a business with revenue exceeding US$15 million. Engage with EO at a new level with your true peers as you share the complexities of your business with members who understand. EO Quantum Leap is for those pursuing continued growth in business and life. CLICK HERE for more information on Quantum Leap.

Project 615 [Derek Evans]was mentioned in the Tennessean for its exclusive Bonnaroo T-shirt.

Food & Wine featured an article about The Catbird Seat’s [Benjamin Goldberg and Max Goldberg] beverage director. Bastion was mentioned in a Nashville Post article about a new project in Houston Station. The Nashville Ledger mentioned The Band Box in a blurb about the upcoming Big Guitar Brewfest event at First Tennessee Park, and Henrietta Red was mentioned in a Nashville Business Journal Q&A as a favorite local restaurant.

A chef from Josephine [Jim Lewis] will be participating in the Music City Food + Wine Festival, as reported in Broadway World. The chef was also featured in the Nashville Business Journal for being chosen to participate in an annual dinner event. Josephine was also mentioned in a Nashville Scene article for its participation in the “Food From Inside the Travel Ban” campaign.

The Tennessean mentioned Sperry’s [Sam Sanchez]in an article that looks back at Nashville in 1978.

Nashville Soccer Club [Chris Redhage] was mentioned in a Tennessean article about sports to see in Nashville this summer. The Tennessean also mentioned the club in an article about the ongoing debate over constructing a soccer stadium in Nashville, and another Tennessean article gives an update on the debate.

Hypepotamus featured Better Book Club [Arnie Malham] in an article about how the company started and its benefits to companies.

Bell & Associates Construction [Darek Bell] was mentioned in a Nashville Business Journal article announcing the partners in the Nashville Yards project.

The Tennessean mentioned K. Clay Haynes [Oak Tree Partners LLC] and his involvement in a council meeting to rezone property for the Langley Estates development in Gallatin.

A representative of Parkside Builders [Brian Chastain] was quoted regarding home designs and the trend toward townhomes in a Tennessean article about live-work floor plans.

Member Spotlight

Jeff Bradford, President and CEO, the Bradford Group

Beginning his career as a newspaper journalist, Jeff Bradford is a writer by training and a marketer by experience, having worked as an advertising and public relations agency executive since 1985. Prior to establishing the Bradford Group in 2000, he served as Senior Vice President of Bill Hudson & Associates. Before that, he was Executive Vice President Holder Kennedy. He holds a B.A. in English and philosophy from Centre College of Kentucky, where he was awarded numerous honors. In community service, he is a graduate of Leadership Nashville and has been honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Year by the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the Board of Governors. Currently, he serves on the boards of Knowledge Academies charter school, Safe Haven Family Shelter, You Have the Power and the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America Middle Tennessee Council. He is married to Jeanne Bradford and they have five children and 11 grandchildren.

What is a personal piece of advice (business advice/saying/quote) that you lean on and could pass on to others?

"Ego is the Enemy,” which is also the name of a great book on how real humility and a focus on others is the key to a successful business.

Best business book you’ve ever read?

"Good to Great" by Jim Collins.

One misstep you took in your business that you could caution others about?

Not focusing from the beginning on building a great company culture. Our commitment about ten years ago to making the Bradford Group a great place to work has contributed more than anything to our success.

How to you de-stress after a particularly hard day?

Go to our cabin, have a bourbon and watch the sun set. Or go sailing, have a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise.

What EO event are you most looking forward to attending in the next few months?

The 30th anniversary party with Verne Harnish. Big thanks to Arnie Malham for making this happen.

What’s something about you that would surprise everyone reading this?

I spent three months in Saudi Arabia working as an air balance technician.